An Overview of the History of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery has a long and rich history. While the modern term orthopedics was coined in the 1700s, orthopedic principles were beginning to be developed and used during primitive times. The Egyptians continued these practices, and described ways to recognize and manage common orthopedic conditions. The Greeks and Romans subsequently began to study medicine in a systematic manner, and greatly improved our understanding of orthopedic anatomy and surgical technique. After a period of little progress during the Middle Ages, rapid advancement was noted during the Renaissance, including the description of various injuries, improvements in surgical technique, and development of orthopedic hospitals. Collectively, these advances provided the foundation for modern orthopedics. Currently, orthopedic surgery is a rapidly developing field that has benefited from the works of numerous scholars and surgeons. It is important to recognize the successes and failures of the past, in order to advance research and practice as well as improve patient care and clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
Despite its relatively recent specialization, orthopedic surgery has a rich history rooted in ancient practices dating back to the primitive man. Over time, there has been significant development in the field in terms of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of orthopedic pathology and disease. Various cultures have played an instrumental role in developing this field, and it is remarkable to see that several practices have persisted since the time of these ancient civilizations. During the Renaissance, there was a considerable emphasis placed on pediatric deformity, but orthopedic surgeons have now branched out to subspecialty practice ranging from orthopedic trauma to joint replacement to oncology.1 For students of medicine and orthopedics, it is important to learn about the origins of this field and to appreciate its gradual development. Orthopedic surgery is a diverse and fascinating field that will most likely continue to develop with increased subspecialization and improved research at the molecular and population level. With a growing emphasis placed on outcomes and healthcare cost by today’s society, it will be fascinating to see how this field continues to evolve in the future.
Am J Orthop. 2016;45(7):E434-E438. Copyright Frontline Medical Communications Inc. 2016. All rights reserved.
